LAHS Calculus teacher Stephanie Abney, left. and LAHS Physics teacher Debbie Grothaus pose with the 2026 Rensselaer Medal recipient Andrew Bacrania. Photo Courtesy LAPS

LAHS Principal Eric Ziegler presentZ the 2026 Rensselaer Medal Award to junior Andrew Bacrania. Photo Courtesy LAPS

LAPS NEWS RELEASE

Los Alamos High School junior Andrew Bacrania has been selected to receive the Rensselaer Polytechnic Medal for 2026. He was nominated for this honor by the LAHS Mathematics and Science Departments. Principal Eric Ziegler presented Drew with his award during a ceremony attended by his family and members of the science and math departments.

“Drew is an incredibly strong candidate for the RPI award,” said LAHS Physics teacher Debbie Grothaus. “Not only does he excel academically, but he is also integral to our Astronomy Club and Science Bowl teams.  The best thing about Drew, however, is that he’s so much fun to have around!”  

“Drew serves as a great representative of Los Alamos High School, because of his academic excellence and his genuine character,” added his AP Calculus teacher, Stephanie Abney. “He is always eager to learn, help his peers and crack a joke to create a welcoming environment. His enthusiasm for learning and his approachability make him stand above his peers.“

For more than 100 years, Rensselaer, in conjunction with high schools around the world, has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science.

The Medal was first presented in 1916 with two purposes:

1. to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young
   men and women, and 
2. to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering,
   and technology.

Drew completed AP Calculus this spring, both AB and BC, along with AP Physics C and AP Biology. He is a member of the Varsity tennis team, National Honor Society and the LAHS
Astronomy Club.  He is also captain of the Science Bowl team which recently competed in Washington, DC.  

Each year, participating high schools nominate one outstanding math and science student in the junior class to be honored with the Rensselaer Medal Award. If the student applies to Rensselaer, is accepted, and enrolls, the official Rensselaer Medallion will be presented in the fall of the first year at Rensselaer. The merit scholarship, with a value of $40,000 per year, is
guaranteed for four years for each Medalist who is accepted and enrolls at Rensselaer.